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| The TUF Gaming A14 FA401EA features more ports than many 14-inch laptops. |
In a move that has caught the attention of power users and gamers, Asus has begun rolling out its highly anticipated TUF Gaming A14 (FA401EA) laptop, and it’s coming out swinging with a top-tier memory configuration first. Originally announced at CES 2026 with specs listing up to 32GB of RAM, Asus quietly updated its materials to reveal a 64GB option. Now, defying expectations, the company is launching this high-capacity variant ahead of its smaller sibling in several key markets.
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 (FA401EA), built around the powerful AMD Strix Halo platform, is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the 14-inch gaming and creator laptop space. At its heart is the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 APU, a chip that combines potent CPU cores with a formidable integrated GPU, the Radeon 8060S. Asus is delivering a full 95W of power to this APU, promising robust performance for both gaming and intensive creative tasks.
Unexpected Launch Strategy: 64GB Takes the Lead
The most intriguing part of this launch is the availability. During its CES unveiling, the laptop was billed with a maximum of 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. However, pre-orders that have now gone live in China, Japan, Spain, and Poland are exclusively for the 64GB model at the outset. This suggests Asus is targeting enthusiasts and professionals first, who would benefit most from the massive memory ceiling.
This memory isn't just for multitasking. The Strix Halo architecture's "Zen 5" cores and powerful RDNA 3+ integrated graphics can utilize system RAM as VRAM. With the 64GB configuration, the system can allocate a substantial 48GB of that memory to the GPU, potentially eliminating bottlenecks in high-resolution textures and complex game scenes. For those looking to get their hands on this configuration, the official Asus store in China has the product listed for order.
Performance and Price Positioning
How does it stack up? Asus's own performance data suggests the Radeon 8060S inside the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 holds a 10-12% advantage in gaming over a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU. This makes the FA401EA a unique all-in-one package that challenges traditional CPU+dGPU designs.
This performance comes at a premium over last year's models. Here’s a breakdown of the initial pricing:
- Ryzen AI Max+ 392, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD: Priced at CNY 9,999 (approx. $1,435) on offer, with an MSRP of CNY 12,699 (~$1,822).
- Ryzen AI Max+ 392, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD: Priced from CNY 11,999 (~$1,721) in China, to JPY 379,800 (~$2,392) in Japan, PLN 8,999 (~$2,497) in Poland, and €1,699 (~$1,986) in Spain.
This places the new Strix Halo model roughly $350 to $550 higher than previous TUF A14 versions with a Ryzen AI 7 350 and an RTX 5060. The pricing has sparked lively discussion among tech watchers, with some early impressions noted on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo.
Designed for Immersion and Endurance
Beyond the silicon, the TUF Gaming A14 (FA401EA) is spec'd for a premium experience. It features a fast 165Hz refresh rate display for smooth gameplay, a large 73Wh battery to help it last through mobile use, and practical upgrades like dual M.2 2280 SSD slots for easy and affordable storage expansion. For Japanese customers interested in the device, it's also listed on Amazon.co.jp.
Global Launch Still Pending
While the launch is underway in four countries, a full global release is still on the horizon. Asus has not announced concrete dates for when the laptop will reach markets like North America, Australia, or the rest of Europe. The current listings in Poland and Spain give a clear indication of European pricing and specs, which you can check on the Asus Poland eshop and Asus Spain eshop.
Industry analysts are keenly watching this launch, as covered in reports from outlets like PC Watch in Japan, viewing it as a critical test for AMD's high-performance Strix Halo APU in a mainstream gaming brand.
The Bottom Line
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 (FA401EA) Strix Halo is making a bold entrance. By leading with a 64GB RAM variant, Asus is emphasizing this machine's capabilities as more than just a gaming laptop—it's a compact powerhouse for content creation, streaming, and future-proof gaming. While the price reflects its premium positioning, the promise of top-tier integrated graphics performance with massive memory bandwidth makes it a uniquely compelling option in the 14-inch class. For those in the initial launch regions ready to pre-order, the device is available through various channels, including a listing on Amazon.
